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We might be reaching the peak of fiery food obsessions. First Sriracha-slathered donuts, then entire restaurants dedicated to hot sauce, now fried chicken sticks so hot that customers are yelling expletives.
After Chicken Fries were permanently added to Burger King's menu in March (and Doritos-dusted mozzarella sticks were tested), the chain decided to test out a spicy version seasoned with cayenne and black pepper. And now they're available nationwide. The company's chief marketing officer, Eric Hirschorn, told Business Wire that more than a quarter of taste testers swore at him, saying "These are spicy as f$#*!" He also noted that this reaction was ideal, proving the fast-food chain had achieved the perfect level of heat—somewhere between pleasure and OMFG. Okay, so BK wants to burn our tastebuds off. Cool.
According to Hirschorn, the new Fiery Chicken Fries were designed to attract "heat seekers" to the burger joint. "We wanted to make sure they really delivered for people who like spicy food," he said. "The idea is that it's so spicy, it might actually offend you." I mean, there is a flaming chicken on the box. And it's true that these chicken bites are literally the hottest menu item the chain has ever offered.
The limited-edition hot fries are $2.89 for a nine-pack and will be available at participating locations across the country for at least a month. If you want to tame the heat, ask for a side of barbecue, honey mustard, ranch, or sweet and sour sauce. There's also buffalo sauce, but that won't do you any good—unless you're looking to fight fire with, well, more fire.
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